Carimi viewed as flexible for new coaching staff

February 21, 2013|By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter

INDIANAPOLIS —

The Chicago Bears probably will not know where all the parts on the offensive line are going until some time after the draft.

Rules prohibit the offseason program from beginning until shortly before the draft and the coaching staff will want to evaluate the players on the field before any decisions are made. Offensive coordinator/line coach Aaron Kromer talked about that last week.

One of the players that could go to multiple spots is 2011 first-round draft pick Gabe Carimi. He started last season at right tackle but made three starts at right guard and he could wind up being an interior player. Carimi was not 100 percent after coming off knee surgery at the end of the 2011 season and the hope is he will return stronger and more fluid.

“Coaches are going to work through that, during OTA’s, during the winter, get to know Gabe, get to see what his strengths and weaknesses are,” general manager Phil Emery said. “Obviously, they’ve seen some things on tape, I think they see an upside to him as a tackle or a guard, so we’ll find out through that process, and I’m sure that will take all the way through camp to find his exact position.

“I do see that he has some flexibility. Gabe had some rough moments during the year, he had some good moments during the year, had some really good run-blocking moments. There are areas that he’s got to improve as a pass blocker, but he had good moments at guard and tackle.”

If the Bears re-sign Jonathan Scott, who is an unrestricted free agent, that could lead to Carimi being considered inside. Emery indicated the Bears plan to at least have discussions with Scott’s agent. It was Scott who replaced Carimi at right tackle in Week 12.